US EditionUS seizes second vessel near Venezuela as Trump administration ramps up pressure on Caracas
- Reuters first reported that on Dec. 20, 2025, the United States Coast Guard is seizing a second sanctioned vessel off Venezuela in international waters.
- Following last week's seizure of The Skipper, an elite U.S. Coast Guard tactical operations team, President Donald Trump announced a blockade on Dec. 16 of all sanctioned oil tankers.
- U.S. military helicopters are dropping off Coast Guard personnel and observing operations overhead, while anonymous U.S. officials said the Coast Guard is leading the interdiction and declined to disclose the location.
- Loaded vessels have remained in Venezuelan waters, sharply reducing Venezuelan crude exports, and analysts warn the embargo could push oil prices higher.
- Observers say the moves form part of a wider pressure campaign on Venezuela's oil, with a shadow fleet disguising trades since 2019 while China remains a major buyer at roughly 4%.
80 Articles
80 Articles
The US Coast Guard once again seized a ship in international waters off the coast of Venezuela. Trump had previously announced the "complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers." Praise for the action comes from Argentina.
The United States had already intercepted a set of ships and returned to do it this Saturday, shortly after Trump had warned that there would be a total blockade on oil.
Associated Press News
US forces stop a second merchant vessel off the coast of Venezuela, American officials say
U.S. forces have stopped a second merchant vessel off the coast of Venezuela in international waters. That action Saturday has been confirmed by two American officials.
According to the media, the US Coast Guard has confiscated another Venezuelan ship. Background may be a sea blockade announced by US President Trump.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
